Fire alarms are an important safety feature

Fire alarm system is a system of technical means designed for timely detection of smoke and fire, and prompt danger notification. The signaling system plays a key role in overall safety, protecting property and lives. The main task is to warn the owner and emergency services in time to minimize possible consequences.

How fire alarms and smoke detectors work

Fire alarms work thanks to smoke detectors. The more of them there are, the larger the area of the object in the response zone. Their correct programming for sensitivity is important.

The process of operating a fire alarm system looks something like:

1. Setting a preset level of smoke or temperature rise in the sensor area activates the detector.
2. The sensor instantly signals the central control station when triggered.
3. The supervisory control panel processes the notification.
4. Next is the reaction to smoke — activation of sound and light alarms, alerting others to the danger.
5. At the same time, the alarm can also be signaled immediately to the monitoring panel of the security company.

Some fire alarm systems are also equipped with a personal fire protection system. In this case, it starts the blaze extinguishing process.

How do I know if my fire alarm system is working right now?

For reliable protection, it is important to regularly check the fire alarm system for proper functioning. Otherwise, there is a risk of sensors not being triggered at a critical moment and the alarm not being activated. This can lead not only to material losses, but also jeopardize people’s lives. To avoid such situations, it is necessary to timely maintain the system and monitor its performance.

The following steps are needed to understand if the fire alert system is currently working and securing the facility:

• Check the indicators. Normally, all sensors of the system and its control panel are equipped with light indicators. In a serviceable signalling system the indication flashes green, and in case of malfunction — red or not at all.
• Regular Testing. Modern fire safety systems are equipped with a test mode, allowing you to quickly check the performance of the entire system and each sensor individually. With its help, it is possible to verify the accuracy of triggering of the alarm for the set smoke and heat levels, and also the correctness of activation of the emergency mode.
• Analysing batteries and power supply. The wireless detectors and other elements need to be regularly checked for wear and tear, so no force majeure occurs at the right time.

All the points described are important, but the main point is regular maintenance of the fire alarm by qualified professionals to ensure its reliable operation. The system will work correctly with planned inspections and professional maintenance.

Help in selecting a fire alarm system

Practically all modern fire safety can be successfully applied to any objects. However, according to the experience of ABC BERKUT experts, choosing an alarm system for your needs, in order to use it with maximum efficiency, a number of important nuances should be taken into account:

1. The area and the type of the facility. The choice of security system level depends on the type of facility — residential or commercial building. Basic alarm systems are suitable for flats and private houses, while large business centres, warehouses and industrial premises require implementation of complex solutions with multi-level protection.
2. Ways of notification. Depending on the security needs of a particular site, select which signals will be used as alarm notification. These can be light and/or sound signals, or notifications to the owner’s cell phone.
3. Integration with other security systems. Frequently, fire alarms need to be integrated into an already installed security system, increasing its level. The possibility of such an option should also be considered at the stage of selection of the alarm. It is particularly useful to combine with video surveillance, automatic fire extinguishing, access control, etc.
4. Easy installation and maintenance access. These are matters for the security company to audit and advise on. The important thing is that the installation and its maintenance are available without disrupting the basic processes at the site. Self-installation may not take into account many important aspects.
5. Regulatory and standards compliance. If you are using an alarm system, it is important to choose one that clearly complies with the regulatory requirements of fire protection in Kazakhstan.

Selection of a fire safety system

The specific fire alarm system is also selected depending on the specifics of your facility:

• Address. It can provide precise information about the exact location of the sensor that triggered at the moment. This makes it possible to quickly identify the source of fire.
• Analogue. Features a function to monitor and analyse sensor data, allowing real-time monitoring of smoke and heat levels in the room.
• Standalone. All elements of the system work independently and do not need to be controlled. The main thing is to carry out testing and maintenance in time to ensure that everything works properly.

In order to find the best solution for your object, the best thing to do is to consult with specialists who have extensive experience in installing fire alarm systems on sites of any complexity.

Selecting fire alarm sensors

Moreover, it is important to choose the right type of devices, which will be responsible for timely fixation and smooth operation in any conditions:

• Optical — for detecting incipient ignitions and smouldering materials with heavy smoke, for example fabrics. Their operation is based on a photodetector, which is struck by smoke, releasing light, which triggers an alarm.
• Ionization – these sensors respond effectively to a rise in room temperature and a rapidly spreading flame with minimal smoke emission, such as a petrol fire. Their operation is based on a chamber with a radioactive element that ionizes the air between the electrodes, creating an electric current. When exposed to even small amounts of smoke, the conductivity of the current is reduced, which automatically activates an alert.

Both types of sensors can be combined into a single fire alarm system to maximise safety. And in this matter, expert advice is essential to ensure that all detectors are correctly positioned.

Where to install a smoke detector?

Identifying where to install smoke detectors requires a serious analysis of each individual room. It is important to consider the type of facility itself.

First of all, when installing smoke detectors, it is essential to be guided by the current norms and standards of fire safety systems in Kazakhstan:

• SNiP 2.04.09-85
• GOST R 53325-2012
• GOST R 51251-99.
• Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Fire Safety”.
• Regulations on the Installation and Operation of Fire Protection Systems established by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MES RK)

Optimum detector mounting locations for most types of rooms:

• Ceiling. Известно, что дым всегда поднимается вверх, а значит, именно там обязательно должны быть датчики.
• In the corridors. Соединительные проходные зоны между комнатами всегда важно наполнять детекторами, ведь это могут быть пути эвакуации.
• In bedrooms for residential use and offices, warehouses for commercial use. In places where people are often located, it is advisable to install sensors for early warning.
• Exits. It allows control of evacuation and further propagation of fires into the interior of the room.

Warning! According to inspection observations, do not install sensors in the kitchen or in the shower, as steam or cooking smoke can cause false alarms.

If all fire alarms are properly installed, any property will be well protected.